My Journey With ADD/ADHD (New Here)

[purplexxx]

Hello everyone,

I was diagnosed with "ADD" at the time in 2003/2004 when I was in 4th grade. School was a struggle for me at first especially from 4th grade and up because the curriculum was more challenging as to be expected. With a lot of resources available to me, I have improved in managing my symptoms over many years of hard work. I am now 25. Let's just say I still run into difficulties but it's okay because that is who I am and no one is perfect.

For a great portion of my life, I never thought I would be capable of getting straight A's in school. However, that was fine with me! Lol. I never wanted to be perfect, I just wanted to understand and pass. It was always my greatest fear when I was younger to be held back a year. When I entered college, I was studying to get my Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders which is a prerequisite for a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

When I entered a quick orientation for what classes I would need to take, I felt so overwhelmed and self-conscious of my abilities. C's were no longer going to cut it. I usually got A's and B's anyways once I went into 7th grade but still had an occasional C. Anyways, I surprised myself. I worked hard and got straight A's. I made the Dean's list three years in a row because of my academic performance. It came with a cost though. After my first two years, I began to struggle with anxiety and depression. I am a lot better now! ( I'll elaborate more on this...)

The point is, I never thought I would be in graduate school now studying to become a speech-language pathologist. It is not difficult and I love learning about it. It is a lot of work...a lot of work. I am so happy where I am. I wanted to share this because I want to encourage others than are just as worthy and capable to do anything they want especially with ADD/ADHD. Don't let it stop you or give you an excuse to rely on all the time even though I know there are cases when the struggle gets real with the symptoms. You got to learn about yourself and how you work. Then use your strengths to compensate for your weaknesses. If anyone needs tips or advice, I can try to help. I can tell you all the things that I have used to help me get where I am.

P.S. Taking care of your mental health is important as well! I believe my anxiety and depression developed as a result of school. I was thinking many negative thoughts about myself (e.g. should've, why does it take me longer, I hate this and I wish I was normal, I'm dumb, I am slow, I am not as smart as my classmates). This is not healthy and if you find yourself thinking this way, STOP! Seek help because you are smart and just as capable. It's okay to fail and just to give your best. Strive to be good enough not the best!